November 1984:
Age 14—I saw the original New York Dolls with Johnny Thunders in a “glam rock” documentary on PBS....
June 1985:
Age 15—Got Memphis brand copy of Les Paul TV Jr, Peavey Classic 50, Big Muff Pi and old grey Echoplex at A&A Pawnbrokers in Oakland (my brother drove me) with money from bagging groceries at Pacific Super Asian market in San Francisco.
March 1986:
Age 16—used the power of singing and playing loud fast rock ‘n roll in a band onstage to steal the heart of the girl I loved
October 1989:
Age 19—Met Johnny Thunders while I was stuffed full of hard drugs. He sized me up in a second, told me to “stay away from that business,” gave me a hug and went away
August 1990:
Age 20—Saw and met Albert King....went shopping for a Flying V the next day.
August 1991
Age 21—Saw Miles Davis at JVC Jazz Festival at Concord Pavilion and snuck backstage. I was too scared to meet him but I did look him in the eyes.
He passed away a month later.
Last edited: Jan 11, 2019